Questions about ablation for SVT.

Posted by mitchellynn @mitchellynn, Oct 1 1:09am

I have had SVT ranging from 180-220 bpm for 10 years. It only happens about twice a year but recently has required help from EMS or ER to reset it. I am unable to reset it without help. I have a new EP and he wants to do an ablation. I was on board since it is TERRIFYING when it happens although I've been endlessly reassured that SVT is not life threatening just uncomfortable. My appointment with my new EP was telemedicine since I live in Alaska and couldn't get to Anchorage for the appointment. The EP made the ablation sound very easy. The procedure would last an hour and then I needed to stay overnight in Anchorage and take 3 days off work before returning to my regular schedule. I now received an email outlining "What to expect" and it seems far more complicated than my EP suggested. I a bit upset with myself to believe I could have a procedure on my HEART without months of recovery. The "What to expect" suggests that it may take up to 1 year for everything to be completely fine. This year I have a senior graduating from high school and a senior graduating from college out of state. Since my SVT only happens twice a year, I'm second guessing my plan and considering delaying it for 9 months until I'm an empty nester. Here are my concerns-
Blood thinners for months? I'm anemic already due to heavy periods. My reading suggests that blood thinners and heavy periods can make anemia much worse.
Rapid heart rate for 1-3 months? If I only have big episodes twice a year, signing up for rapid heart rate sounds horrible.
Can't trigger SVT episode to complete ablation? That was a repeated problem I've read in this connect.
Increased anxiety after ablation? Also read it many times in postings here.
Thanks for any help. This community has been such a gift to my journey!

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Profile picture for red350 @red350

I had an ablation for SVT done 8 months ago. I went into cardiac tamponade about an hour after the surgery, while in the recovery room. I had felt fine until I didn't. ICU for 4 days. Emergency Chest drain and then sent home. Kept getting worse and was told "everyone recovers differently." I have taught exercise for 45 years. Excellent conditioning and I know my body and when something is off. My EP, who is the head of the EP program and only does this type of surgery day in a day out for the last 15 years, told me I was her healthiest patient (I joked with her to not jinx the surgery....) hindsight. Finally diagnosed with Post Cardiac Injury Syndrome almost a month after the ablation - a type of pericarditis - I had pleural effusions that had to be drained and I was hospitalized once more because of the pleural effusions. Had to go on prednisone, naproxen and colchicine. STILL on the meds although I am slowly tapering off prednisone. If I'd had a crystal ball - well I don't know what I would have done. It has been a blessing NOT to have SVT since February (I was having multiple episodes daily). And my EP is very confident, because of the type of SVT it was, that I will be free from this. Having said this - if it every comes back - fingers crossed it won't - I will pick medication over another ablation - but then I have to with how my body reacted to the first surgery (and only surgery that I've had in my life). Even my EP said I would not be a candidate for another ablation because my body reacted with systemic inflammation that will probably take a year or more to get over. And then monitor for an additional 3+ years. I am back to teaching class (yoga for now) and I am walking and on my treadmill. But I am not back to pre-ablation exercise levels, walking up hills can be challenging some days and a breeze the next. Additionally, I remember the EP introducing me to a cardiology fellow and saying he would assist her if that was ok - I didn't know what a fellow was in terms of the medical field - but it's people learning how to do what she does. If I'd known that I would have said no. I believe this is why this happened to me. My EP was devastated and said this has never happened in her entire career and she has never treated someone with this. In fact I am a case study at the hospital now because they've only read about this in their medical school classes.

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@red350
Wow, that is so awful that happened to you! I am so sorry. So scary and such a long recovery. Praying you be back to 100% and SVT free.

I’m glad you mentioned about the fellow. It will remind me to ask about any trainees in any future procedures. When I had my double mastectomy I noticed the incision on one side was a different style than the other. Then I received a bill for one side from my surgeon and a different surgeon billed for the other side. Not an assistant surgery but two primaries. I was stunned. I requested the op report and no mention of the other surgeon. I was not asked for permission or even notified. When I hire someone for surgery based on their reputation I expect them to be the surgeon.

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